Lightning probed as cause of American Legion fire (PHOTOS)

A fire suspected to have been sparked by lightning badly damaged an American Legion post Monday in Lehigh County, according to an officer there.

It was reported about 4:30 p.m. at Jones Quigg American Legion Post 739, 3739 American Legion Drive in the Hokendauqua section of Whitehall Township.

The first of two bands of powerful thunderstorms was passing through the area at that time.

Five people were inside the social club for veterans and their families when the fire started, said Phil Bandura Jr., post adjutant and president of the home association there. He was just parking his pickup truck outside when the smell of smoke began to fill the interior.

The first flames were spotted near a smoke eater used to purify the air, Bandura said. Everyone got out OK as the fire spread from under the roof.

"We'll be closed for a while," he said. "The whole roof is probably going to have to be replaced."

Whitehall Township fire Acting Chief Joseph Shambo said the cause and point of origin were undetermined as of Monday night, but that a lightning strike was being looked into.

Fire crews remained on scene past 7:30 p.m.

"It's all roped off," said Ed Baranski, a member and post judge advocate general officer. "You can't even get in the parking lot."

Fire damage occurred throughout the building, primarily above the ceiling, Shambo said.

Bandura was expecting to meet Monday night with a representative of the post's insurance company.

"We'll be rebuilding," he said. "We'll be back."

All of Whitehall's fire companies responded, along with assistance from Catasauqua, Woodlawn, Greenawalds and Laurys Station, according to Shambo.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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